Babcock University dress code tightens as the school bans dreadlocks, beards, and casual wear ahead of second semester exams

Babcock University has announced a sweeping revision of its student dress and grooming policy, banning dreadlocks, beards, and several forms of casual attire as part of efforts to reinforce campus discipline and Christian values.

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The new directive was issued in an official statement signed by the Vice President for Student Development, Olanivi Arije, ahead of the second semester and forthcoming examinations.

Under the revised Babcock University dress code, male students are prohibited from wearing dreadlocks, beards, voluminous hair, or unkempt hairstyles, while female students are barred from extreme or indecent hairstyles.

The policy also outlaws a wide range of clothing items considered inappropriate for academic environments.

These include body-hugging outfits, sleeveless gowns or blouses, sagging trousers, joggers, sportswear, baggy or boot-cut trousers, bubu, danshiki, and over-length trousers.

The university further restricted the tying of scarves to corporate or official academic attire during lectures, examinations, and other designated academic activities.

In a decisive move, Babcock University invalidated all “hair-pass” tags, previously issued as waivers for certain hairstyles.

The institution declared the passes unauthorised and ordered students to discontinue their use immediately.

The statement warned that violations would attract investigations and disciplinary sanctions, stressing that ignorance, appeals, or excuses would not be entertained.

The revised rules take effect from the start of the second semester in January 2026 and apply across all Babcock University campuses.

Owned by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Babcock University has long enforced strict conduct policies aligned with its mission of character development, modesty, and spiritual growth.

The institution said the updated guidelines reinforce provisions already outlined in the student handbook.

The announcement has triggered intense reactions on social media, where images of the official memo continue to circulate.

While some users praised the move as necessary for order in a faith-based institution, others raised concerns about personal expression.

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Babcock University reiterated its commitment to holistic education, stating that the measures are designed to prepare students for responsible service and disciplined leadership within and beyond the academic environment.